The Department of Economic and Social Sciences of the University of Lüneburg has appointed the Doctor honoris causa to Professor J. F. Volrad Deneke on 7.5.1996. The Laudatio is published in this FFB-Discussion Paper. An appreciation of Professor J. F. Volrad Deneke's scientific services of an individual in societal response would not do justice to his enhancing approach without hints to his nonscientific vitae. Thus, in this Laudatio Deneke's vitae is firstly characterized before his scientific work. The Professions (Freie Berufe) are the nucleus of Deneke's elucidation with the society, the economy and the government and are discussed with Deneke's concept. The scientific focus then is sketched by Deneke's research and teaching with his contributions to the Sociology of Professions, Health and Social Policy, History of Medicine, Medical Journalism, Medical Sociology as well as Economic and Social Sciences, and Economic Policy.